Thanks to digital technology, radiologists and patients’ connection have transformed unsustainable healthcare systems into sustainable ones. With teleradiology specialities, radiologists who specialize in specific medical imaging types have enabled healthcare systems to discharge patients more quickly and at a lower cost.
However, it can be confusing to keep up with technological advancements. In this regard, telemedicine is referred to as “teleradiology” in radiology.
But, What is Teleradiology? Radiologists use teleradiology to acquire medical images that radiologists view and interpret for consultative or diagnostic purposes.
Teleradiology specialities include diagnostic radiology, radiation oncology, or interventional radiology.
Let’s dive in and explore teleradiology specialities according to the American Board of Radiologists.
Interventional Radiology
The interventional radiologist treats and diagnoses malignant and benign conditions related to the extremities, abdomen, chest, and pelvis using diagnostic and therapeutic imaging approaches, periprocedural patient care, and image-guided, minimally invasive methods.
To become a primary radiology specialist, you must complete two years of practice in interventional radiology and at least three years of diagnostic radiology.
Subspecialties
There is additional training and testing required for certification in one of these subspecialties:
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Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Patients with life-limiting illnesses can benefit from a hospice and palliative medicine specialist who knows how to prevent and relieve their suffering. The specialist must help patients manage their social, physical, and psychological needs. The fellowship program lasts one year.
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Neuroradiology
Neuroradiology specialists diagnose and treat sinus conditions as well as brain, neck, and central nervous system conditions like strokes and degenerative diseases. Applicants need two additional years – one year as a fellow and one year as a practicing or training physician.
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Nuclear Radiology
Nuclear radiology specialists use radioactive substances (radionuclides) to produce information and images for diagnosis based on the management of trace amounts. Typically, fellowship training takes one additional year.
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Pain Medicine
Inpatient and outpatient pain medicine specialists provide treatment for patients with cancer pain, acute and chronic, coordinating their care with other specialists. The fellowship program is one year long.
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Pediatric Radiology
Pediatric radiologists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing congenital anomalies and diseases affecting babies. Upon completing the fellowship, one additional year of practice or additional training may be required.
Radiation Oncology
Radiation oncologists treat benign and malignant diseases with ionizing radiation. Furthermore, radiation oncologists may utilize additional interventions such as hyperthermia (heat), computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound to aid with treatment planning and delivery.
An MD in radiation oncology requires five years of training: one year of clinical work, followed by four years of specialized training.
Subspecialties include:
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Pain Medicine
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Hospice and Palliative Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic radiologists use x-rays, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, and radionuclides to treat and diagnose health problems. One must train for five years, followed by four years of radiology practice.
In most cases, a diagnostic radiology trainee may specialize in one or more of the following subspecialties:
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Nuclear Radiology
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Vascular and IR
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Pain Medicine
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Paediatric Radiology
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Hospice and Palliative Medicine
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Neuroradiology
Additionally, the board issues specialized certification in medical physics within this discipline.
A medical physicist assists in establishing the treatment and diagnosis of a disease by incorporating the underlying principles of therapy and imaging. These specialists supervise procedures to ensure effective and safe radiation delivery for therapeutic purposes.
Notably, their training differs per specialty area. It is required that medical physicists have at least one of the following specialties. However, they are permitted to have two or all three primary certifications.
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Medical Physics for Therapy
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Nuclear Medical Physics
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Medical Physics Diagnosis
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